Taiwan Pushes Japan for Decision
On Visa for Ailing Former Leader

By

Jason Dean and

Erik Guyot Staff Reporters of The Wall Street Journal

Updated April 19, 2001 12:01 a.m. ET

TAIPEI, Taiwan -- A frustrated Taiwan again urged Tokyo to quickly approve a visa for a medical visit by this island's former president, Lee Teng-hui, as Japan continued to stall on the sensitive decision for fear of upsetting its relations with China.

The 78-year-old Mr. Lee, who retired from Taiwan's presidency last May, says he needs to travel to Japan for a follow-up visit with the Japanese doctor who operated on his ailing heart last year in Taipei. But China's government has pressured Tokyo to turn him down,...